The city has also notified the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which is charged with enforcing the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Officials with the agency could not be reached for comment Tuesday night.

San Diego Police Department Capt. Brian Ahearn said for the past several weeks, the department has put an officer on patrol at Children’s Pool 24 hours a day seven days a week, with officers working in shifts.

The harassment case involving the two women is still being investigated, said Ahearn, who oversees the department’s Northern Division — including La Jolla.

Having police at the site is meant to keep the peace and prevent future abuse of the seals, Ahearn said. Since officers have been stationed there, he said, there have been no incidents and no arrests.

“The officers have become a part of the community,” interacting with the visitors and even answering questions about the seals, Ahearn said.

Ahearn said the police presence won’t be indefinite, and that San Diego’s Park and Recreation Department is looking at a transition plan that involves using private security guards.